Go Forward in Reverse

LaHaine

My first race of 2011.

Havent ran in two weeks because of laser eye surgery so this was never going to go quite to plan. But at the same time im very dissapointed in myself. Finished in 26.33 and I had to stop at one point as I thought Id get sick.

Ive been out a lot lately and had a few bad hangovers so I really dont think that helped. From the very start I was struggling. Lesson learned. Not drinking now at least until my next race - the Great Ireland run.

I was really annoyed at myself at the finish but theres no point crying over spilt milk at this point. Back to the training with a vengeance this week. Out for a spin on the bike now in a few minutes. Punish the legs a bit!

Despite my dissapointment I thought it was a great race. Nice to run around the city centre. Lovely weather - a little too good when you're struggling :rolleyes:. Saw Jamie Heaslip outside the Shelbourne hotel on way back around too, or at least I thought I did!

Time to put the head down for a bit now over the next few weeks and really put in some serious training. Eyes are perfect now so no excuses!

Sometimes a good kick up the backside is good for you.

LaHaine

49.83km cycle. Not a complete waste of a day

ronan1986

La Haine.

I was a first time Gaelforce participant last year (and any event of that kind). Same age bracket (i'm 25) and relatively same level of fitness it would seem, although you have much more biking experience than I had (which was zero). I completed the gaelforce in 6hrs and 36 minutes. I have some advice for you.

Do not underestimate how tough the climb up and down Croagh Patrick can be. Took me 1hr 45 to get up and down. Integrate some hill running and off road running into your running program.

Also, make sure you have a decent bike (road bike or cyclocross) for the cycle. I had a crap hybrid that I got a loan of and was training on a 15 year old crappy mountain bike. Guys on racers were zipping past me on the cycle route, so frustrating!!

LaHaine

Cheers for the advice ronan!

The plan is to work on increasing distance in running soon. Then hopefully get into a bit of hill running when i get my fitness levels up a bit. Everyone who i know of that has done the race has said the same-Croagh Patrick is the killer. So i definitely wont be underestimating it.

As regards the cycling i think i should be ok. Obviously the key will be transitioning between cycling and running which I've never done before. I have a pretty decent bike so should be ok on that front.

Are you planning on doing it again this year? Fair play on doing it already. I'd have no idea what time ill be aiming for to be honest.

ronan1986

From what I gather anyway you should be ok for the cycle. Also regarding the Kayak section, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Maximum time it will take for anybody is 20 minutes.

I wont be doing it myself next year as I have a stags to go to that weekend, I am actually gutted about cos I felt it was such a great event and experience last year. I will be doing the Wicklow Adventure race and maybe the Sean Kelly tour of waterford instead.

If I was a betting man, from what I can gather from your posts i'd say you'll get the race done in about 6hrs 20 - 6 hrs 30 minute.

Have you got accommodation booked? I stayed in a B&B for the two nights that is only about 400 yards from the finish line. Absolute top quality place. The owners are really nice and they have free vouchers for use of the pool, jacuzzi and sauna in one of the big local hotels (cant remember its name though). Think the price was about €70 for the two nights (which is unreal), rooms were amazing, especially for the price.

LaHaine

Today:

30km cycle, complete with puncture. Enough said.

LaHaine

ronan1986 wrote: »

If I was a betting man, from what I can gather from your posts i'd say you'll get the race done in about 6hrs 20 - 6 hrs 30 minute.

Have you got accommodation booked? I stayed in a B&B for the two nights that is only about 400 yards from the finish line. Absolute top quality place. The owners are really nice and they have free vouchers for use of the pool, jacuzzi and sauna in one of the big local hotels (cant remember its name though). Think the price was about €70 for the two nights (which is unreal), rooms were amazing, especially for the price.

Ooh, Ive a target to try beat now - under 6.30.

No, Im looking for accomadation at the minute. Cant believe the price of the hotels down there. Ill be having a good look and hopefully booking something this weekend

LaHaine

Ten k walk wednesday night on the beach. Random I know but it all counts. Nothing yesterday or today.

Feeling awful run down this week. Hopefully get in a long run tomorrow after an early night tonight. Not happy with the past few weeks. Need to get back into the swing of things.

LaHaine

This morning...in glorious sunshine!

9.4 km in 52.13. Struggled with the heat. Nice to get a long run in. Its been a while. Now to watch the boat race!

LaHaine

Today

4.88km run in 26.36. Legs were awfuly heavy today.

Having one of those why bother days so i was glad to get out there and get something done. Legs quite stiff from yesterday.

Im doing the great ireland run in 2 weeks so I really need to get out a good bit more than I have been. maybe a cycle tomorrow evening.

LaHaine

Today:

10.01k run in 57.52.

Very dodgy belly for the last two k of this!! Could hear lots of sloshing around. Not the most pleasant feeling!!

LaHaine

Tonight:

49.72km cycle. About two hours.

Enjoyed this one a lot. Lovely night for it.

LaHaine

Tonight:

5k run in 25.20. Warm one out there tonight.

Ran along the quays and past the Point. Wasnt fun, wasnt enjoyable but tis done now

Big crowd around to see Elbow. Should have tried to get a ticket. Could be a good one

LaHaine

Today:

100.56 km cycle.

Soaked to the bone but happy

LaHaine

Today:

Hadnt planned on doing anything but as it was such a nice day I cycled out to Dun Laoghaire to enjoy the sun.

Out and back was 25km.

LaHaine

Today:

10km in 55.30.

Last long run before the great ireland run. I'd be delighted with anythin under 55 for the race so this was encouraging.

LaHaine

Today:

5.01km run in 26.38. Got caught at a few traffic lights waiting but still a slow one.

Im going to try to come up with a more structured training plan after the Great Ireland Run. Im not making as much progress as Id like to

LaHaine

Wasnt happy with that run today and I had the day off so I went for a cycle this evening. Lovely weather.

49.22km. I keep forgetting my garmin when Im cycling so I dont know the exact time because my cycle computer thingybob is crap. Felt strong though and kept at a decent pace so im happy enough

LaHaine

Today:

40km cycle. Legs are pretty tight. Plan to give them a rest tomorrow and the the great ireland run on sunday.

LaHaine

Today:

10km in 54.57. Delighted with that.

I felt strong for the whole thing and I definitely feel like I could have done better. The heat was a killer but I got into a nice rhythm early and was never under too much pressure.

The aim was to do this in under 55 minutes so I scraped it but I think, all things considered-heat wise, this is a very good run for me. So im a happy camper.!!

Feels like I actually am making some progress after today. I suppose the one down side is that I was able to sprint the last 500 metres so obviously I had more in the tank that I could have used around the ten k but you live and learn as they say.

The start of the race was very dragged out which was a bit annoying but the weather meant that it wasnt too much of an issue. I was amazed that, even with the different time groups and being let off at different times, I still passed people walking after a few hundred metres. Like, are people really this stupid? Its so ignorant to others who pick the correct time for themselves and are aiming for good times.

The tshirt is pretty crap for the price, maybe if they put a bit more money into that and got rid of the medal it would be better? I know Id prefer a technical tshirt to a cotton one and a plastic looking medal.

Seems like a lot of people were complaining about water but to be fair I think one water station is enough for a 10k. Just my opinion. My water just went all over me anyway!! I only had a small sip and then the rest over the head.

Overall a great day in the sun!

Trappers Son

LaHaine wrote: »

Today:

10km in 54.57. Delighted with that.

I felt strong for the whole thing and I definitely feel like I could have done better. The heat was a killer but I got into a nice rhythm early and was never under too much pressure.

The aim was to do this in under 55 minutes so I scraped it but I think, all things considered-heat wise, this is a very good run for me. So im a happy camper.!!

Feels like I actually am making some progress after today. I suppose the one down side is that I was able to sprint the last 500 metres so obviously I had more in the tank that I could have used around the ten k but you live and learn as they say.

The start of the race was very dragged out which was a bit annoying but the weather meant that it wasnt too much of an issue. I was amazed that, even with the different time groups and being let off at different times, I still passed people walking after a few hundred metres. Like, are people really this stupid? Its so ignorant to others who pick the correct time for themselves and are aiming for good times.

The tshirt is pretty crap for the price, maybe if they put a bit more money into that and got rid of the medal it would be better? I know Id prefer a technical tshirt to a cotton one and a plastic looking medal.

Seems like a lot of people were complaining about water but to be fair I think one water station is enough for a 10k. Just my opinion. My water just went all over me anyway!! I only had a small sip and then the rest over the head.

Overall a great day in the sun!

49:36..

Was aiming for under 50. Was delighted. I agree with most of your points. People walking after 500 metres was ridiculous considering they were in the orange group. I think I started way to quick. First k was done after 4:15.. Kept around the 5 minute per kilometer mark all the way through. Not sure how much an effect the hear had.

I felt the course was very difficult. Very hilly which I wasn't expecting at all!

LaHaine

Today:

Its been a busy week with a few things in work etc so today was my first run of the week. I had it in my head that i wanted to run 15 kms tonight. So I did!!

15km in 1.31.50. Obviously not the fastest but it was my LSR so distance was the goal more than anything else. Its the longest Ive ran since I did a half marathon in Sept 09 so im pretty pleased with myself.

LaHaine

Today:

80.1km cycle.

Ive done longer distances before but this was down in Wicklow and included a lot of big hills so pretty happy with myself.

LaHaine

Today:

10.01km run in 54.32.

Thinking about signing up to the Dublin City Marathon on pay day. In for a penny, in for a pound.

I am a bit concerned about getting the long runs in coming up to Gaelforce but id imagine it would be ok?

LaHaine

Today

46.65 km cycle after work.

LaHaine

Today:

10km run 57.30.

Slow one, but god its hot out there. Decided to run on the beach and I ended up running into a hot gale. Very tough going. Obviously I had the wind in my back on the home route but I was feeling it by then!

LaHaine

Bit of a disaster of a weekend training wise, havent done anything despite being off work. Had a good bit to drink on Saturday and Im still not right from it. Im not too worried though, its rare that I do it anymore.

Feels like a good time to have a bit of a round up of how training has gone so far and maybe to re-evaluate some goals.

The Positives:

• Since the start of the year Ive progressed from not running at all to my longest run to date of 15 kms.
• Ive lost about a stone in weight.
• Ive gotten back some decent fitness cycling wise.
• I havent eaten any chocolate/sweets/crisps or had any fizzy drinks this year.

The negatives:

• Im starting to fall back into bad habits stretching wise-ie not doing any.
• I still havent sorted out my diet properly in some ways, often skip breakfast and get something crappy in work rather than something which will fill me.
• Im still not as consistent with my running as I'd like to be.
• Although I have increased the distance of my runs I'm still very slow.

Whats next!

Well, Ive added another big goal for the year and that's to finish the Dublin City Marathon in under 4 hours.

I will be following Hal Higdon's novice training plan - Ive seen many people on Boards use it successfully so Im happy that its effective.

The programme is 18 weeks so by my calculations ill be starting that on 27 June.

So up on til then Ill keep going as I am - 2 cycles roughly a week and then one long slow run and a couple of shorter runs. I think I need to start getting some faster running done as well. Otherwise Ill never have any but a snails pace when I run.

Coming up to Gaelforce Ill have to keep cycling so I suppose I can substitute one of the shorter midweek runs for a cycle.

I also want to do the Wicklow 100 this year if possible so I want to get some nice long spins done down in Wicklow over the next few weekends.

Other than that I suppose its a matter of keeping going as I have been. Ive cut down a lot on drink and my diet is moving in the right direction - I just need to be more consistent with when I eat etc. The bad choices tend to come when I havent planned ahead.

The one thing Im really happy with is that Ive kept at this all. Sure, there's been some bad weeks but I have never felt like giving up and Im enjoying it all.

Oh and my knees havent exploded yet, so its all systems go!!

Micilin Muc

LaHaine wrote: »

Well, Ive added another big goal for the year and that's to finish the Dublin City Marathon in under 4 hours.

I will be following Hal Higdon's novice training plan - Ive seen many people on Boards use it successfully so Im happy that its effective.

The programme is 18 weeks so by my calculations ill be starting that on 27 June.

I'm in the exact same situation as yourself, sub-4-hour goal, HH novice plan starting 27 June! Fair play on losing a stone. If you've any more to lose, like myself, I imagine it will fall off during marathon training

LaHaine

Today:

5km run 24.10. Im going to force myself to try to beat my 5k time every week. My speed is non existent and I tend not to push myself because its always tough.

So one 5k at snails full pace once a week, no excuses.

LaHaine

Today:

46km cycle. Brought garmin for first time cycling. Average speed of 25km an hour according to it. Not sure how much stopping at traffic lights etc is affecting it as i was pushing 30 for most of it.
Bit of man flu at the minute so just happy to get it done.

snailsong

Fair play to you, LH keep it up. I too am in a similar boat in that I intend to do GFW (did my first one last year) and am toying with the idea of DCM. Do you run alone or with a group. I've been going with a group the last two months and my speed has definitely improved. Maybe this is what you need if you're concerned about your speed. Have you given any thought to your target time?

LaHaine

Today:

Long slow run.18km in 1.44.
Delighted with the distance. I've been a bit sick the past couple of days so didn't get anythin done so feels good to get a long run in

LaHaine

snailsong wrote: »

Fair play to you, LH keep it up. I too am in a similar boat in that I intend to do GFW (did my first one last year) and am toying with the idea of DCM. Do you run alone or with a group. I've been going with a group the last two months and my speed has definitely improved. Maybe this is what you need if you're concerned about your speed. Have you given any thought to your target time?

I have no idea of a target time yet to be honest. I'm still at the level where finishing will make me a very happy man. That might change and i might narrow in on a target time as training progresses but for now its about finishing.

I always run on my own. I find running with others distracting. I like to go off into a world of my own. Ah i'm not overly concerned about speed. I just need to be more aware that i need to push myself at times i think!

LaHaine

Today:

60 km cycle. Legs still tight from run on saturday and i'm still a bit under the weather so this was a struggle at times.

Looked like a lovely day for a cycle but very gusty so that was a pain.

LaHaine

Today:

5k run, 23.24.

Hello mr pb, barely recognised you, its been so long,

Hardly fast but most importantly getting faster!

dubs114

Congrats on your log man, its no easy task at hand so fair play to you. You seem to be running similar times as myself. Ive just completed Monstermac adventure race in cork, 65kish of pain, hills and more hills. took me 4hrs 56mins. I was delighted to finish but i did implode on the last cycle it killed me. Ive done Harlequin adventure race last month and Westport sea2summit november 2010.

Toying with the idea of doing Gaelforce now.......will i wont i, will i wont i. Defo feel after monster mac im capable of it. Im doing a half marathon in newry at the end of May so that should get my running distance up to a good level so that i can be happy going into Galeforce. My weakness is mountain running, its something thall ill have to address sooner rather than later. Croagh Patrick is tough but the views are stunning and its fun decending it. Your log will keep me going.

LaHaine

Go for it! Sign up. Every time i think about being lazy and not going running or cycling i think about how painful gaelforce will be. Best inspiration ever!

nerraw1111

You're flying it La Haine. GF will be no bother to you with that training. You're doing far more than I was last year and got under 5 hours.

Would recommend throwing some trail running into the mix. Different beast to road running and Croagh Patrick really knocks the crap out of people not prepared for it.

LaHaine

nerraw1111 wrote: »

You're flying it La Haine. GF will be no bother to you with that training. You're doing far more than I was last year and got under 5 hours.

Would recommend throwing some trail running into the mix. Different beast to road running and Croagh Patrick really knocks the crap out of people not prepared for it.

Cheers! Yeah hopefully the hours now will stand to me on the day.

Hoping to start a bit of trail running alright. Not easy living in dublin city centre with no car. Train to howth or bray for a few runs may be the solution.

LaHaine

Today:

9.26 run in 51.23. Supposed to be ten k but it was an out and back run and i turned back too quickly. Then i was too lazy to try to make it longer on way back.

Time for some cheerios. The food of champions

LaHaine

Today:

18 kilometres in 1.47.

Windy one today. Ran out to the lighthouse beside sandymount beach. Lovely route. Invigorating splashes from the sea!

This was supposed to be yesterday but I had to work. Done and dusted anyway.

LaHaine

Today:

5k run 23.23. A one second pb!

Legs felt tired after yesterdays long run. Anymore I'll try to have a rest day after my long run. In the next month if like to get this down to 23 minutes or maybe lower.

Its funny, this short run is the one I dread most during the week. I know I need to do them though so no point complaining.

wli

Hi LaHaine,

Thanks for your log, finding it usefull!!!

I am planning on GFW for the first time this year, (havnt signed up yet).

I have being using a trek mountain bike, but maybe I need a road bike for this event????

Do you mind me asking what kind of bike you have, would you recommend any??

LaHaine

wli wrote: »

Hi LaHaine,

Thanks for your log, finding it usefull!!!

I am planning on GFW for the first time this year, (havnt signed up yet).

I have being using a trek mountain bike, but maybe I need a road bike for this event????

Do you mind me asking what kind of bike you have, would you recommend any??

Hey,

Im no expert at all but the general view seems to be that a road bike is the fastest option. You should do a search in this forum for last years thread. Its a mine of information!

And sign up and get a log on here, its a great way to keep motivated.

LaHaine

Tonight:

10k run in 53.55. Started very slow and finished at a great pace. Ten k pb is definitely there for the taking. Soon!

LaHaine

drinking midweek is never a good idea.

Two unplanned rest days-the results of a hangover. Long run tomorrow all going well.

centre back

LaHaine wrote: »

drinking midweek is never a good idea.

Two unplanned rest days-the results of a hangover. Long run tomorrow all going well.

nothing wrong with letting off steam every now and again, sometimes unplanned rest is the best thing!!

LaHaine

Today LSR:

21.57km run 2 hrs 11 minutes.

Furthest Ive ever ran. Delighted but knackered!

centre back

lets call it 22k's???
22k's =13.64 miles!!!
holy **** man, that's some running!!!
lahaine on a serious note, dat's some going!!pat your'e self on the back!!!

LaHaine

Today:

5k run 23.36. The wind kicked my ass